25 Apr 2025
Technology is rapidly reshaping industries, and commercial property is no exception. The way we interact with and manage properties is constantly evolving, driven by new tools and innovations.
Our CEO Scott McKenzie recently sat down with Leonie Freeman, CEO of Property Council New Zealand, to talk about the role of technology and AI in shaping the future of commercial real estate. This blog highlights the key takeaways from their discussion.
Technology as a core business tool
For businesses of all kinds, technology adoption is a continuous process, and this holds true for real estate. It's not just about having the latest gadgets; it's about strategically embracing technology to make operations efficient, profitable, and usable. Technology should be viewed as a key tool within the business toolkit.
The rise of AI in commercial property
A major focus currently capturing everyone's attention is Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to a preview of this year's report on technology in Australasia, AI remains a key issue facing New Zealand businesses, including those in the property sector.
More and more companies are actively exploring AI and looking at where it can be useful. While AI isn't necessarily being fully integrated throughout entire business operations yet, it's certainly not being ignored. The current focus seems to be more on utilising AI within the data and information space.
Navigating the digital landscape
As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools and collect large volumes of data, another critical area of focus is cyber security. With big data sources becoming common, the risk of cyber threats is significant, making robust cyber security measures more important than ever.
Strategic adoption
While the potential of technology is vast, the approach to adoption is crucial. According to Leonie, it's important to be positive about technology but to aim for the leading edge, not the "bleeding edge". This suggests a strategy of adopting proven, effective technologies that provide a competitive advantage, rather than rushing into unproven or risky innovations that could cause problems. Embracing everything at your peril is certainly something to consider.
Watch the full snippet of this conversation here:
